“In times like these, we need to find ways to pull together as a community instead of committing acts that further divide us.”

Grewal added: “These are extremely difficult times in which all of us are called upon to be considerate of each other – not to engage in intimidation and spread fear, as alleged in this case.

Countries around the world with confirmed cases of coronavirus. (PA)

“Just as we are cracking down on bias offences and those who use the pandemic to fuel hatred and prejudice, we vow to respond swiftly and strongly whenever someone commits a criminal offence that uses the coronavirus to generate panic or discord.”

Falcone has denied the accusations, telling press agency Reuters that he “didn't cough on anyone and never mentioned corona”.

Over 55,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the United States, while nearly 800 people in the country have died, according to John Hopkins University.

Dos and don’ts in the UK under lockdown

US president Donald Trump has said he wants to reopen the US for business in weeks, not months, as he claimed continued closures could result in more deaths than COVID-19 itself.

He told reporters: "We can't have the cure be worse than the problem.

"We have to open our country because that causes problems that, in my opinion, could be far bigger problems.”

Donald Trump said he wanted to reopen the US for business in weeks. (AP)

Trump acknowledged there were trade-offs, but claimed that if closures stretched on for months there would be "probably more death from that than anything that we're talking about with respect to the virus”.

Health experts have made clear that unless Americans continue to dramatically limit social interaction, the number of infections will overwhelm the healthcare system, as it has in parts of Italy, leading to many more deaths.

Our people want to return to work. They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together. THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM! Congress MUST ACT NOW. We will come back strong!